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Officials Planning Columbus Day Parade Here

For many, many years, the Columbus Day Parade which was one of our city’s hallmark events. Several years ago, due to budget constraints, the parade was cancelled. Well it was gone but not forgotten. Keeping his promise to continue to create (and re-create) positive community events, Mayor Rizzo recently announced his decision to bring back the parade in October of 2013.

In order to do so, he has created a volunteer committee of community organizations, business leaders, and other stakeholders including residents from Revere and the surrounding communities. The committee is being chaired by Nicholas Bua, the City of Revere’s Veteran’s Affairs Agent, Paul Travaglini, from First Priority Credit Union, and Laura D’Amico, President of the Revere Chamber of Commerce. Just recently, the committee received a check for $2,500 from East Boston Savings Bank to help defray costs involved in running the event. Over the next 10-12 months, the committee will work towards creating awareness and fundraising for the parade.

As a kick-off to these efforts, they are planning the city’s first, and presumably “Annual” Columbus Day Breakfast. It will be held on Monday October 8that 9:30AM at the Beachmont VFW, 150 Bennington Street. Mayor Rizzo will preside over the the event where guest speakers will include, among others, Revere’s own State Delegation, House Speaker Robert DeLeo, State Senator Anthony Petruccelli, Assistant Majority Leader Kathi Reinstein, Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, State Treasurer Steven Grossman, Suffolk County Sheriff Andrea Cabral, State Auditor Suzanne Bump, Congressman Edward Markey, and Congressman Mike Capuano. “I am delighted to play a part in revitalizing the tradition of the Columbus Day parade,” said Treasurer Grossman. “It’s great to see the city rally around this shared goal, and this effort confirms the fact that there are few communities with civic pride that can rival Revere’s.”

“I look forward to the breakfast. Parades are a great way to honor our heritage and make us all feels like kids again,” said Auditory Suzanne Bump.

The cost of the event is $25 per person with all proceeds going directly towards the cost of the parade in 2013. The expectation is that 300-400 people will be attending the event.

“From the time I assumed office in January of this year, it has been my hope that the City of Revere, with the help and support of residents and business leaders, could bring back the Columbus Day Parade. This breakfast is our first step towards accomplishing that task. I look forward to making this breakfast an annual event that people look forward to each and every year,” commented Mayor Rizzo.

The parade committee is working to finalize the speaking agenda over the coming weeks. If you would like to get involved, please email revere_mayor@revere.orgor call the Mayor’s Office at 781-286-8110.